Source: EarthLink Press Release

Drexel University and EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK) reached a first-of-its-kind agreement between a major university and wireless network service provider to extend the boundaries of Drexel’s Dragonfly wireless network for students, faculty and staff to access university resources and services or browse the Internet over EarthLink’s Wi-Fi networks, Drexel President Constantine Papadakis announced today.

The University’s Dragonfly wireless network supports 28,000 registered wireless devices, making Drexel one the largest private networks in the world.  The one-year trial program will begin in September.

Drexel, a trendsetter in the adoption of next generation wireless technology, was the first university to launch a fully wireless network at all three of its Philadelphia campuses in 2000.  The success of the wireless network, which supports ubiquitous computer access anywhere, anytime on each campus, was followed in 2002 with the launch of the DrexelOne Mobile portal.  The portal provides access to grades, class schedules, announcements, and instant alerts service to any wireless cell phone, Blackberry, Treo or other connected devices.

According to the Knowledge Industry Partnership, Greater Philadelphia has more than 80 colleges and universities that enroll nearly 300,000 each year.

EarthLink is building one of the nation’s largest city-wide, wireless networks in Philadelphia through its relationship with Wireless Philadelphia, and the network will enable Drexel students, faculty and staff to connect anywhere EarthLink Wi-Fi service is available in the City, on a daily basis.  When traveling, Dragonfly users will be able to access EarthLink wireless networks in other cities throughout the United States.

"The program is not meant to replace traditional wireless access on our three campuses but instead will provide full wireless access service for a limited time each month to our students, faculty and staff across the Philadelphia area complementing our existing wireless and wired solutions." said Papadakis.  "This partnership is ideal for Drexel as we are always at the forefront of incorporating the latest technologies into academia."

"EarthLink is a leader in municipal Wi-Fi and by working with Drexel to extend their service across our network we can show the flexibility of our network architecture to deliver wireless broadband to many different types of businesses and organizations," said Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP’s municipal networks unit.  "EarthLink’s open access program enables wholesale customers to connect to our Wi-Fi networks on their terms."

Source: EarthLink Press Release

As municipalities across the country join the Wi-Fi race, the City of Philadelphia is entering the home stretch.  Mayor John F. Street announced that Wireless Philadelphia, the non-profit created by the City to transform Philadelphia’s neighborhoods by making high-speed Internet access more available and affordable, today approved EarthLink's (Nasdaq:ELNK) 15-square-mile Wi-Fi Proof of Concept (POC) area—or test zone.  In turn, EarthLink will continue building the 135-square-mile Wi-Fi mesh network, slated for citywide completion in the third quarter of 2007.

"We are thrilled to expand the City’s leadership position in using wireless technology to meet our people’s needs and to enhance the City’s services, visitor experience and business environment," said the Mayor.

EarthLink will finance, build and manage the wireless network, and provide Wireless Philadelphia with revenue sharing fees to help support the non-profit and its Digital Inclusion programs.

"Wireless Philadelphia’s approval of the POC proves the technology and enhances our commitment to building a state-of-the-art wireless network not only in Philadelphia, but in many other cities across the country," said Donald Berryman, president, EarthLink Municipal Networks.  "We are working quickly to deploy the remaining 120 square miles so that Philadelphia residents, visitors and workers can have access to a competitive alternative to existing high-speed Internet offerings, and the ability to stay connected—no matter where they are in the City.

"Nearly 300,000 households and businesses will have access to our network by the end of May," said Berryman.

"This is a major step toward achieving our vision of The Entire City Connected," said Greg Goldman, CEO, Wireless Philadelphia.  "The Wireless Philadelphia initiative has something to offer for all Philadelphians, with free Internet access in parks and public spaces throughout the City and affordable access everywhere.  We are especially excited now to begin offering our Digital Inclusion programs in the Proof of Concept area and beyond, so that low-income families can begin using the powers of the Internet to improve their educational, employment, and life opportunities."

Accessing the Service

Access to EarthLink’s Wi-Fi network is currently available to consumers within the 15-square-mile POC area, which extends east of the Schuylkill River and north of the Vine Street Expressway.  

Consumers who sign up for EarthLink Wi-Fi will enjoy download and upload speeds up to 1 Mbps for a limited time promotional rate of $6.95 a month for the first six months, returning to the recurring rate of $19.95 a month thereafter.  For consumers that want even more speed, EarthLink is offering a 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload service for only $9.95 for the first six months, returning to the recurring rate of $21.95 a month thereafter.

Customers also receive applications and services that include eight mailboxes and EarthLink’s powerful protection tools, such as spamBlocker and the EarthLink Protection Control Center.  Wi-Fi modems, which greatly increase signal strength, are also available for indoor use.

EarthLink will also offer free Wi-Fi access to Philadelphia residents and visitors in designated free access areas throughout the City, including Norris Square, Love Park, the Historic District, and Capitolo Playground in South Philly, adjacent to two of the City’s most famous cheese-steak purveyors.

To connect to EarthLink’s Wi-Fi network for free, customers must use their wireless-enabled computer to detect the network and select the SSID "EarthLinkWiFi" or "WirelessPhiladelphia".  Consumers will then complete a few short steps and be connected to the Internet.

Bridging the Digital Divide

EarthLink is also working with Wireless Philadelphia to promote "Digital Inclusion," a cornerstone of the project —which is a program to offer qualifying Philadelphia residents Internet access at the discounted rate of $9.95 per month, before any promotional opportunities.  In order to be eligible for this rate, customers can have income up to 150% of the federal poverty level, or participate in certain supportive programs such as Transitional Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income.  

In recognition of the importance of this component, Wireless Philadelphia will present Mayor Street with the First Annual Digital Difference Award at 1pm today, at William Penn High School.  This honor recognizes the Mayor’s visionary leadership in identifying the potential that wireless technology holds to ensure a future where all Philadelphians have access to the Internet.

Other Ongoing Services on the Network 

In addition to signing up for EarthLink’s monthly subscription product, EarthLink Wi-Fi, consumers can buy access to the network at competitive prices in one-hour, one-day, or three-day increments. Customers can also sign up for a monthly subscription from EarthLink’s wholesale partners – PeoplePC, DirecTV, SuperPA.net and Pennsylvania Online.